Polk school board approves multiple policy updates, names Davenport music building and confirms oversight committee nominee

The Polk County School Board on Feb. 25 approved a set of policy updates, named a building at Davenport School of the Arts in honor of longtime educator Brian Kier, and confirmed Sarah Corona to the half-cent sales tax oversight committee.

The board voted to adopt policy changes that were reviewed at a Jan. 28 public hearing and through prior work sessions. The policies approved cover meeting procedures (0615), career and technical education (2421), self-administered medication (5330.01), removal/out-of-school suspension and expulsion procedures (5610 and related language), and due process rights (5611). Superintendent Joseph Hyde and staff presented the policies as having completed the district rulemaking process before the vote. "This went through a very robust process," board member Kaye Fields said during the discussion.

Board members also voted to name the Davenport School of the Arts music building after Brian Kier. Family members and school colleagues attended the meeting; Kier’s wife spoke briefly and assistant principal Alicia Hughes described Kier’s longtime contributions to the school.

The board appointed Sarah Corona to the district’s half-cent sales tax oversight committee. Board member Sharpless, who described Corona’s background in health services management and community organizations, read her biography and said he believed she "could add value" to the oversight panel.

Routine business also moved forward: the board accepted the meeting agenda and three sets of minutes, and approved the consent agenda. The district attorney requested and the board authorized advertising a public hearing for additional policy updates to be considered at the board’s April 22, 2025 meeting.

Votes at a glance - Agenda for 02/25/2025: motion made by Mr. Keyes, seconded by Mr. Sharpless — approved. - Minutes (01/28/2025 regular and work session; February meeting): motions and approvals — approved. - Consent agenda (02/25/2025): motion by Ms. Fields, second by Ms. Wyatt — approved. - Policy package (0615; 2421; 5330.01; 5610; 5611): motion by Mr. Keyes, seconds by Ms. Fields and Ms. White — approved after board discussion. - Naming request, Davenport School of the Arts music building for Brian Kier: motion by Mr. Keyes, second by Ms. Wyatt — approved; family and colleagues spoke in support. - Appointment: Sarah Corona to the half-cent sales tax oversight committee: motion by Mr. Sharpless, second by Mr. Keyes — approved. - Authorization to advertise public hearing for policy updates (to be heard 04/22/2025): motion by Mr. Keyes, second by Mr. Sharpless — approved.

Board Chair William Allen and Superintendent Hyde opened and ran the meeting. No formal roll-call tallies with individual yes/no names were recorded in the public transcript; votes were announced by voice and recorded as carried when no opposition was stated.